How many convict cichlids can be kept together?
One convict cichlid alone or a male and female combo are two common choices. The more you add, the higher the chance for territorial and aggression. What is this? Also, don’t put a male and female in a community tank!
How aggressive are convict cichlids?
If you’ve ever seen Convict Cichlids before you could be forgiven for thinking of them as having a timid temperament. However they are extremely territorial and will be very hostile and aggressive, if fish enter ‘their’ territory. Generally speaking they do not make a good choice for a community tank.
How large do convict cichlids get?
How Big Do Convict Cichlids Get? You can expect them to normally grow between 3 and 4 inches long but larger males may grow up to 6 inches. This is one of the few fish species where the males are larger than the females. Females can be identified by their smaller size and the single dark spot on their dorsal fins.
Are convict cichlids good for beginners?
If there is one universally agreed upon beginner cichlid, it’s probably the convict cichlid. These fish are incredibly hardy, breed readily, and are extremely prolific. If someone wants to experience all a cichlid has to offer, then these are the perfect fish.
How fast do convict cichlids grow?
Convict cichlids take around 2-3 years to reach their maximum size potential. On average, you can expect these fish to grow between 3-4 inches long, but sometimes, the males can very well grow 6 inches long.
When should I remove convict fry?
If you are able to determine that your cichlids do not typically care for their young it is best to remove the adults from the tank as soon as spawning is complete. When your cichlid fry are first hatched they will not require much space – they will simply need a safe environment in which to spend their first days.
Do convict cichlids get lonely?
Who do Convict Cichlids live with? The Convict Cichlid lives alone for the most part. They only step out of their habitat to mate and lay eggs and are intensely territorial and aggressive.
What fish can breed with convicts?
As with the boxer, Jack Dempsey, these fish are also aggressive and will be able to hold their own against Convicts. Males can reach 8 inches long with females reaching 6 inches. I would recommend the addition of only one Jack Dempsey to a 55 gallon tank housed with one pair of breeding convicts.
Do convict cichlids have teeth?
Like all cichlids, the convict has well developed teeth located in its throat. The regular teeth are found in its mouth too. At the back of their pelvic, dorsal, anal and pectoral fins, are spiny rays that help keep predators at bay.
Can convict cichlids live alone?
The Convict Cichlid lives alone for the most part. They only step out of their habitat to mate and lay eggs and are intensely territorial and aggressive. Though they are not big enough to eat many other fish, they will definitely attack and harass the other fish until they leave the tank.
What kind of fish can live with convicts?
What Fish Can You Put with Convict Cichlid? (Tankmates)
- Green Terrors.
- Pictus Catfish.
- Giant Danio.
- Jewel Cichlid.
- Firemouth Cichlid.
- Large Barbs.
- Blue Acara.
- Plecostomus.
What do convict fry eat?
Once the eggs are hatched (usually around 3 – 5 days), you can begin feeding them some small brine shrimp or a crushed up fry food. Infusoria is also a great, healthy food for the fry to snack on. When the fry are young, it’s important that you feed them frequently. At least 3 times a day will be enough.
What is the life span of a convict cichlid?
Convict cichlid body size is from 8 cm (3 in) to 12 centimeters (4.7 in). Its average life span is about 8 – 10 years, though provided with proper care the fish may live longer. Convict cichlid body has about 8-9 vertical dark stripes on it, due to which the fish has got its name.
How big will a convict cichlid get?
Perfect for beginner aquarists, the Convict Cichlid is a relatively small fish that will grow up to around 6 inches in length for males, and around 4 inches in length for females.
Why is my convict cichlid moving rocks?
Your cichlids may be moving around the rocks because they are courting each other, or because they are fighting over prospective courtship partners . The ultimate goal of all of this territorial defense and courtship is to provide a safe space to rear young. Unlike most fish, cichlids care for their young both as eggs and after hatching.
How often do convict cichlids spawn?
Breeding Setup. Cichlids may be known for their fecundity, but breeding them in captivity does require a few parameters to be met first. Spawning. Convict cichlids spawn multiple times throughout the year, and there is no set season during which they will breed. Raising fry. Breeding Tips.